Amidst the tumult of World War II, the Royal Hungarian Army found a reliable ally in the Rába 38M Botond, an all-terrain truck that played a crucial role in transporting both cargo and personnel. Built on the successful Raba AFi truck chassis, the 6x4 configuration of the 1.5-ton lorry set it apart. Though only one survives today, housed in the Transport Museum of Budapest, the legacy of the 38M Botond lives on as a testament to Hungary's ingenuity in military vehicle design.
The genesis of the Rába 38M Botond can be traced back to 1937 when development commenced for a new vehicle tailored to the needs of the Royal Hungarian Army. The design aimed to strike a balance between off-road capability and cost-effectiveness, leading to the adoption of the unique 6x4 configuration. Innovative features included a second axle that could be raised above ground level, making contact only at the summit of a slope. Additionally, a set of two rollers mounted at the front bumper aided in crossing ditches. The inclusion of a factory-installed winch further enhanced the truck's versatility.
Recognizing the scale of the government order, a consortium of six companies joined forces to bring the 38M Botond to life. Between 1938 and 1941, a total of 1443 trucks were assembled, showcasing the collaborative effort that fuelled Hungary's wartime production capabilities.
As Hungary joined the conflict, a revised version, the 38M Botond B, entered serial production. This variant saw certain steel components replaced with more cost-effective materials, while the engine power was slightly increased to 72 horsepower. The adaptability of the design led to numerous field conversions, transforming the Botond into radio cars, command vehicles, artillery trailers, and tank tows.
In 1943, an upgraded iteration, the 38M Botond C, was unveiled, boasting a robust 100 horsepower six-cylinder engine. Regrettably, this advancement faced an untimely demise as the sole prototype fell victim to an Allied air raid. Despite this setback, post-war efforts briefly resumed on the C version. However, the D-350 Steyr truck, a design licensed by Csepel, ultimately emerged as a more superior alternative.
The combined production of all 38M Botond variants totalled 2554 units between 1938 and 1948. This remarkable workhorse well contributed to Hungary's wartime efforts. The only surviving example in the Transport Museum of Budapest stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Hungary's all-terrain marvel, the Rába 38M Botond.